Reliving Work Stress From Desk Yoga
Sitting on the chair for long hours is associated with overstretching of mid to upper back which shortens the gap between the chest and the hips. In many cases, it is the underlying cause of neck and lower back pain.
For people working at the desk for long hours, ‘Desk Yoga’ seems to be a practical solution which can create a balance in their stressful life and physical workout for better health and wellbeing.
Here are the 5 Desk Yoga exercises which one can perform at the comfort of their desks using only sitting chair and the desk itself
Wrist and Finger Stretch – While sitting on the chair, extend your arms out on the desk and stretch your fingers of one hand with the palm of the other hand until you feel the stretch. Repeat the exercise 10 times from each hand.
This exercise helps in extra blood flow to muscles and tendons in the fingers, hands, and wrists as desk work is known to build tension in these body parts. It also lowers the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Tadasana – This Yoga posture can be achieved by simply sitting on the chair and pulling your hands towards the ceiling. The elbows and back need to be straightened up with widen fingers. It is repeated for 5-10 slow breaths.
This posture helps in improving body posture, balance, and making the spine fragile. It also regulates the digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems.
Desk Plank – This Yoga posture is achieved by leaning the body towards the desk, place the hands on the desk at shoulder width and step the feet back so that the feet are well behind the hips. Stick to the position for 5-10 breaths.
This posture helps in strengthening the core, improving balance, relieving stress and boosting up the mood.
Sit and Stand Pose – Start by sitting on the chair with legs at 90 degrees to the floor and feet stretched flat on the floor. Pressing down the heels, stand slowly with upright hands stretched in the forward direction. Now, sit in the path followed while standing oppositely. Repeat the exercise for 5-10 times.
This exercise helps in improving flexibility and balance. Also, it helps in reducing stress and fitter legs and arms.
Seated Backbend – This exercise is performed by stretching your hands a couple of inches behind the hips and gripping the chair with them. After getting into this position, hands are pushed against the chair and the shoulders are lifted towards the ceiling. Hold in the same position for 3-4 breaths and then come to the normal position. Repeat the same for 5-10 times.
This exercise improves the core, hand muscles and gives relief from the stress incurred from the job.
